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2001-2007 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner

2001 • 2002 • 2003 • 2004 • 2005 • 2006 • 2007

Rick Carlton has served as a professional automotive/motorsports journalist, writer, researcher, editor, and publisher for thirty years. He has also served as a press/media consultant for a range of professional motorsports organizations. He contributed several vehicle profile articles to Crutchfield's Research Garage.

In a nutshell: This article is an overview of your SUV's audio system and its upgrade options. Use our vehicle selector to find the gear that will fit your Escape or Mariner.

Overview of the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner

The first-generation Ford Escape (and its sibling, the Mercury Mariner, to which all of the following info can be applied) was a phenomenally popular trucklet that took the small SUV market by storm. Developed in collaboration with Mazda, who also sold the same basic vehicle as the Tribute, the Escape was a spacious, comfortable SUV that, when equipped with the optional a 3-liter V6, had all the power needed (and a little bit more) for daily driving or weekend towing duties.

The same, alas, can't be said of the factory stereos, which weren't great to begin with and haven't improved with age. The Escape is reasonably easy to work on, though, so you should have a lot of fun upgrading your entertainment system. With plenty of room for people, bikes, camping gear, and whatever else you need, the Escape is a handy vehicle to have around. And once you upgrade the stereo, it'll also be a nice place to be.

The base factory radio (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Factory stereo system

The Escape came with two entertainment options: the base system and the Mach system. The options changed a little from 2001 to 2007, but in general the Mach system added an amplifier, a subwoofer built into the rear side panel, and (starting in 2004) tweeters in the front doors.

Hybrid notes

Those looking for a greener way to go could opt for an Escape or Mariner equipped with a gas-electric hybrid powertrain.

As you might expect, these hybrid trucks contain some very sensitive electronics, so replacing the stereo is a little more complicated. Be sure to only use a multi-meter when testing wires, and NEVER use a test light to test wires in this vehicle. Doing so could cause some serious (by which we mean dangerous and expensive) damage.

The Hybrid is not the SUV to choose if you want to build a massively powerful audio system. The large current draw of a "big" stereo is not a good thing for the hybrid system, so make sure you don't exceed a 30-amp current draw or 350-watt RMS power rating.

Factory radio in the 2004-up Mach system (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Replacing your factory radio

The base system centered around an AM/FM/cassette/CD receiver through 2003, then switched over to an AM/FM receiver with a built-in 6-disc CD changer in 2004.

The opening in the dash looks like a double-DIN slot, but is actually a little smaller. A single-DIN aftermarket car stereo fits right in there with the help of a mounting kit. A double-DIN kit is also available, but you'll need to modify the Escape’s sub-dash to accommodate the new receiver. As a result, you will not be able to re-install the original Ford radio after making these modifications.

Taking the receiver out of the dash is pretty straightforward, and doesn’t require much effort aside from insuring that you don’t mar the plastic dash trim as the pieces come off the dash assembly. Once you have the receiver out, the dash cavity offers better than 9" in depth, so almost any car stereo will fit in here. However, bear in mind that the heater box does offer some obstruction at the back of the cavity, so take care when you're shoving everything into place.

Detailed installation instructions

If you're looking for step-by-step instructions on how to install a car stereo or speakers in your car, there's nothing better than our exclusive Crutchfield MasterSheet™. This detailed, well-illustrated document is free with your Crutchfield order, or you can purchase one separately for $9.99.

You'll need a set of DIN tools to remove the original radio — you poke these U-shaped tools into the front of the Ford radio and it'll pop right out. A harness is also available that lets you connect the new car stereo without having to cut off the plug that connected to the Ford radio. The mounting kit, DIN tools, and harness are available at a deep discount with your Crutchfield stereo purchase.

Replacing the radio in the Mach system is just about the same as with the basic system, but the amplifier in the upgraded system adds a couple of wrinkles.

First, you'll need the right harness to connect your new car stereo to the Ford amp, which is available at a special proce with most receiver orders from Crutchfield. You'll also want to select a car stereo that features dedicated subwoofer preamp outputs in order to get the best performance from the Mach system's factory subwoofer.

Finally, the Ford amp is used to getting a 5-volt signal from the stock radio, so the 12-volt signal from a new stereo will cause an audible (and annoying) thump every time you turn on the vehicle. You'll need to purchase an inexpensive 12-volt to 5-volt adapter to cure this problem. Trust us, it's worth every penny.

Replacing your factory speakers

In vehicles equipped with the base system, the front and rear doors hold 4-ohm 6"x8" speakers, located way down low in the door panels.

There are only six steps required to get the front-door panel off the door, then remove and replace the front speakers. You have plenty of room in those doors, so a wide selection of speakers will fit. You can also install 5-1/4" speakers with the help of a mounting bracket. Harnesses are available for both doors so you don't have to cut off the factory plugs.

Since the speakers are down by your feet, you should consider component speakers up front to raise the soundstage to a more satisfying level. Installing the tweeters in the sail panels involves a bit of customization, but it's worth it. It'll sound like someone removed a blanket from your speaker system.

Factory tweeter location in the 2004-up Escape (Crutchfield Research Photo)

With the Mach system, speaker replacement is identical to the non-Mach setup, except that Ford added a 2-5/8" tweeter to each of the front doors beginning in 2004. You can pry off the sail panels with a panel tool, so removing the tweeters is pretty simple. You'll have to fashion some kind of mounting bracket to hold the new tweeters, but that's not difficult. We suggest getting a couple of our universal backstraps to help with the job. They can be bent or cut to the size and shape you need. A wiring harness isn't available for this tweeter location, so you'll have to cut off the factory plugs to attach the wires to your new tweeters

You'll find the factory sub and amp behind the right rear quarter panel. (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Bass in your Escape or Mariner

In the Mach system, you'll find an 8" subwoofer in a plastic enclosure behind the rear quarter panel. Replacing it is easy, but you'll need to drill some new holes for the mounting screws. The factory sub is a dual 1.3-ohm voice coil model, so you'll lose a lot of volume if you replace it with a DVC sub with a higher impedance. If you're going to go in that direction, you should also replace the sub's amplifier.

You'll find several custom-fit subwoofer choices for the Ford Escape from MTX and JL Audio. The MTX ThunderForm is a loaded enclosure carrying a 12" woofer that fits right into the driver's side rear quarterpanel. JL Audio’s StealthBox is a loaded enclosure carrying a 10" woofer that drops into the same spot. MTX also offers an unloaded enclosure that will hold a 12" woofer of your choice.

Other options for your Escape or Mariner

iPod® adapters

If you're keeping your factory radio, most (but not all) models work with Peripheral's iPod adapter, so you can use your Ford radio to control your playlist.

Dynamat

A Dynamat Xtreme Door Kit is the perfect way to seal in sound. This heavy-duty insulating material is easy to install, and it really makes a difference. One kit will take care of the front doors in your Escape.

Security systems

Installing a security system in your Escape or Mariner isn't easy (security systems rarely are), but it's definitely a good idea. Our Crutchfield Advisors can help figure out what you need to get the job done, but we usually recommend taking your car and new gear to a professional installer.

Nate, Look for a metal bolt close to where the amp is going to go. If you can't find one, you can drill a hole for your own grounding screw or bolt. BUT, if you choose the latter, b sure to work carefully, know what you're drilling into and around, and always wear eye protection.

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Ngordon from B

Posted on 5/8/2018

Where is the nest place to ground a amp in my 2007 ford escape xlt?

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Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 12/21/2017

Ted, I've sent your question to our sales team, and they'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat.

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Ted Motomochi

Posted on 12/20/2017

Hi, I have an '02 Ford Escape XLT, im the second owner, how can i know, what audio system the truck has, the first owner replace just the factory stereo whit an JVC, i would like to upgrade to new stuff, but need to know the tech specs... example: where the amp is (if has it), tnxs.

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Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 12/13/2017

Tyler, If you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details.

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Tyler Wilson from Ladson

Posted on 12/12/2017

I have an '05 Ford escape Hybrid with the factory sub and everything but I have a problem with my aftermarket head unit not powering the sub. I also have no idea if the amp is getting any power either. Idk where to start as all of the other speakers work but the sub. Any ideas?

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Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 7/11/2017

Ashley, With questions like that, it's always better to have a conversation with a real live human. Give us a call and talk to one of our advisors. We can help you choose the right gear and give you the right advice on how to install it.

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Ashley kippels from Minneapolis

Posted on 7/10/2017

I have a 2005 Ford Escape with the Mach 300 6-disc CD player with aux button and sat button but neither work.
What adapter can I get to use an iPod with my current factory set up??

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Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 6/19/2017

Barbara, It's hard to confirm much about the stock radio from here, but there are several ways to add satellite radio to your RV. I've sent your question to our sales team, and they'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat.

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Barbara Roberts from Lake Hughes

Posted on 6/18/2017

My 2006 Fleetwood Pace Arrow has the same radio pictured here. I am trying to identify the make and model. I want to add satellite radio to my RV, and I am wondering if this radio is satellite-ready. There is an XM antenna in the RV. I bought the RV used and it did not come with a user manual. When depress the "SAT" button, i get a message "service sat". Any info you could provide on this system would be very much appreciated.

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Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 2/13/2017

John, When it comes to OEM-to-OEM upgrades like that, we usually refer people to the online enthusiast community for their particular vehicle. If you decide to upgrade the receiver and door speakers, though, remember that when you buy your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. If you purchase your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details.

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John

Posted on 2/13/2017

Hi! I have an '05 escape without the mach system, and I'd like to add sail speakers. I have purchased a pair of sail tweeters (the ones from the mach system) on ebay and I'd like to integrate them with the four door speakers, AND replace the head unit with an aftermarket stereo. How would I go about merging the four door speakers-- plus the new sail tweeters-- into a new stereo? Any tips appreciated.

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Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 2/10/2017

Faith, There are several ways to improve your sound without spending lots of money. It all depends on the devices you use to play music, though, so it's worth a chat with one of our advisors. I've sent your question to our sales team, and they'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat.

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Faith

Posted on 2/9/2017

Hi! I have a 2003 ford escape. I'm a female and obviously have no idea what I'm doing unfortunately. I want to get an aux cord but I really don't have the money to replace my whole radio. Is there anything else I can do?

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Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 1/18/2017

Nice job, Lester! Enjoy!

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Lester Ware from Bridgehampton

Posted on 1/17/2017

Easy swap to a double din, minor cutting less than 5 minutes with a dremel tool cutting wheel. Mach system replaced with a Pioneer AVH-X2800BS. Got the right wiring harness to keep the factory sub sounded great. Had a vintage Nakamichi 4 channel amp but after I heard the Pioneer decided I didn'the need it. Added the SAT kit. My wife loves the Bluetooth.

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Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 11/14/2016

Andrew, That's really interesting. I'm going to forward this to our sales team and let you talk with one of our experts. Someone will be contacting you via email soon.

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Andrew from Peru

Posted on 11/12/2016

I have a 2003 Ford Escape with an in dash cd changer. I was trying to replace the stereo and found a very odd problem I've never encountered before. The factory harness matches with nothing I can find in any stores. I have a picture of the wiring harness, but I can't match it to anything. It's a factory harness (or an unbelievably well done after market to match the 6-disk in dash changer), but I don't know what to do. May I ask what I need or if you have any ideas?

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Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 11/7/2016

Rendon, I've sent your question to our sales team for the best answer, and they'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat.

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Rendon from Orem

Posted on 11/3/2016

My sister has a 2006 Ford Escape Limited with the Mach sound system. She would like a new head unit with Bluetooth capabilities, CD and Auxiliary input. We were originally looking at the Sony MEX-N5100BT, however, we don't want to install a head unit that is going to limit the capabilities of the Mach sound system. Are there head units out there with the 6 speaker and sub output that at least match the quality of the stock system? What should I be looking for?

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Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 10/24/2016

Mike, That's an interesting question, and I've forwarded it to our sales team for the best answer. They'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat.

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Mike from Atlantic Beach

Posted on 10/23/2016

I have a 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid with the Navigation Radio and 6 disc CDDJ under the front passenger seat. I would like to keep the factory dash unit, so I can keep the hybrid and MPG display functions. Is there anyway to connect an aux cable through the the CDDJ connections under the passenger seat? I don't care if I lose the CDDJ function as it barely reads CDs now. Thanks.

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Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 10/10/2016

Cheri, If you're swapping in a replacement Ford radio, your guess is as good as ours. Could be a wiring issue, but you could be getting into a bad batch of "new old stock" radios. If it's an aftermarket piece you bought from us, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details. Good luck!

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Cheri Pelletier from Brooksville

Posted on 10/8/2016

I have a 2003 Ford Escape recently the radio died, i got another exactly the same plugged it in, the radio works but not the CD player, called up and asked if theres something i need to do, they sent it was defective and sent me another one. plugged it in, same problem radio works cd player does not. any suggestions???

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Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 5/2/2016

Brando, Thanks for finding the bad link! The article itself is long-gone, but the thing you need to know is that you'll need to trim the sub dash to create the depth and height you need for the receiver and the dash kit. Once that's done and you snap the dash kit into place, removing it is difficult and re-installing the factory receiver is no longer possible. Hope that helps, and good luck with the installation!

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Brando from Old Saybrook

Posted on 5/1/2016

I have an 06 Ford Escape Limited. I purchased with aftermarket single-din stereo. I'm currently in the process of building a in-dash 2-din carputer running Windows 8.1 on a Intel Celeron ultra-low TDP mobo. I've got everything working as needed, up to the point of connecting the surround sound of my trucklet to the car-PC itself and actually installing it into the dash of my Escape. I have searched everywhere online for more details on how to modify the sub-dash and everything points back to this article where there is a link to a document that is supposed to explain the modifications, however, the link at the top of your article/post no longer exists. Can you possibly provide an alternate link that is still working, so I can see what is required to do the modifications?

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Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 12/1/2015

Michele, I'm going to forward this question to our sales team for the best answer. They'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat.

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Michele from Napa

Posted on 11/30/2015

I have a 2006 Escape Hybrid with a cd/receiver with navigation as well as a 6-cd changer under the passenger seat. Everything works okay but I'd like to have Bluetooth, aux input, or even satellite radio options - is this a possibility? I'd like to keep the navigation feature, but, with phones being what they are now, I guess it's not essential. I think I must have the Mach version, but I'm not sure.. there is a speaker on the right panel in the way back. What can you suggest? I see your comment above that you don't recommend replacing the stereo, so how would I get any additional connectivity?
The speakers sound ok, but maybe that would be my next 'upgrade' :)

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Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 6/16/2015

There are some good solutions out there for your Escape. We sent your question to our sales team for the best answer, so they'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat. Good luck!

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Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 6/16/2015

There are some good solutions out there for your Escape. We sent your question to our sales team for the best answer, so they'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat. Good luck!

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ngzcaz from United States

Posted on 6/16/2015

I have a 2007 Escape. I'm 60 plus and still enjoy music in all forms. Nothing wrong with my stock system but my grandson put a dandy in dash unit replacing his radio with the nav system, back up camera, bluetooth etc etc... I would have replaced the whole system but local prices have me sighing. I at least want a b/u camera which would also entail buying a monitor. I'd like to spend $ 500 give or take a bit. Any ideas ?? ( I particularly am sensitive to the not being able to reinstall the stock radio. Is that true in all cases ) ?? Thanks

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Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 5/26/2015

Unless she can find an add-on designed to work with that Ford system, she actually does run the danger of introducing noise to the system. Alas, we don't carry any such item. For what it's worth, she could install a new stereo, which would add one or more inputs and probably give her better overall sound. But if she has the hybrid Escape with a navigation stereo, we don't recommend replacing that stereo due to the complexity of the system.

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M.BATES from ELYRIA OH

Posted on 5/26/2015

My neighbor has a 2007 Escape with the Mach system. She wants to get an external audio input, but someone told her it would ruin the sound! Is this true or would it be ok to get an external input?

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Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 5/26/2015

Not sure if it's common or not, but you're dealing with a 14 year-old radio, so it's certainly not surprising. Is it fixable? Maybe, but if you're going to take it out of the dash to see what's wrong, you might as well replace it with a new receiver that not only works, but works better. All in all, that's a better expenditure of your time and money.

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J. Bedell from 98311

Posted on 5/25/2015

I have a stock system in my 2001 Escape. It is fine for me but the LED display gave up on me. How does one go about getting that fixed? I am assuming it is fairly common.

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Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 5/22/2015

Aside from "jiggle it a little more," (which probably isn't helpful) our best advice is to enter your vehicle information on our site and order a Crutchfield MasterSheet for your truck. The radio removal diagrams might come in handy. You could also check out an Escape owners' forum to see if other folks have run into this same issue. Good luck!

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LSwain from FL

Posted on 5/21/2015

I have the standard system with the 6 CD changer which I believed to be standard equipment in the 2002. I have the DIN tools but the receiver does not pop up - it doesn't even move. The CDs don't eject so I want to replace it with an OEM system but I can't even get it out to see the serial number to buy another one. It is NOT the Mach system. Any ideas?